According to a report titled Engineering Skills Needs – now and into the future 2023, engineering jobs are expected to grow faster than other occupations across the UK between now and 2030.
Consequently, EngineeringUK wants the next government to take a more strategic approach to address skills shortages and the UK’s changing labour market need, and for this to be led by the Cabinet Office.
The organisation believes consolidating the work of existing skills taskforces under a new cross-departmental skills committee will encourage collaboration, reduce siloed thinking and support the next government’s ambitions to grow the economy.
EngineeringUK also wants the new government to develop a holistic STEM education and skills plan, which will help deliver an engineering and technology workforce.
In a statement, Beatrice Barleon, head of public affairs and policy, said: “We are asking the next government to take urgent action on workforce planning and address the critical challenges we are facing over STEM skills and teacher shortages in schools and FE providers.”
“Specifically, we want the new government in its first 100 days in office to commit to a national workforce strategy.
“On apprenticeships and T levels, we want to see better access for young people and a commitment that T Levels will continue in England. We also need a long-term careers strategy to ensure schools and colleges have the funding and up-to-date knowledge of 21st engineering careers required to support and inspire young people.”
EngineeringUK’s policy priorities for the next government:
Strategic workforce planning:
Establish a national engineering & technology workforce strategy
Ensure a strategic approach to workforce planning based on workforce needs
Enhance diversity in the STEM workforce
Support international talent via appropriate immigration and visa systems
Link STEM education and skills planning to the strategic workforce plan
STEM education and skills plan:
Deliver on careers provision
Grow and sustain engineering apprenticeships for young people
Commit to T Levels
Improve STEM teacher recruitment, training and retention
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